Use the commutative property to complete each statement.

a. [tex]\( x + 5 = \)[/tex]
b. [tex]\( 3 \cdot x = \)[/tex]

1. [tex]\( x + 5 = 5 + x \)[/tex] by the commutative property of addition
2. [tex]\( 3 \cdot x = x \cdot 3 \)[/tex] by the commutative property of multiplication



Answer :

Certainly! Allow me to guide you through this step-by-step process for using the commutative property to complete each given statement.

Step 1: Understanding the Commutative Property

The commutative property states that the order of the operands does not affect the result for addition and multiplication. Mathematically, this means:
- For addition: [tex]\( a + b = b + a \)[/tex]
- For multiplication: [tex]\( a \cdot b = b \cdot a \)[/tex]

Step 2: Given Problem

You are tasked with completing the following statements using the commutative property:
1. [tex]\( x + 8 = \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( x + 17 = \)[/tex]

Step 3: Apply the Commutative Property

- For statement (a): Use the commutative property of addition.
[tex]\( x + 8 = 8 + x \)[/tex]

Here, we simply switch the order of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and 8.

- For statement (b): Use the commutative property of addition.
[tex]\( x + 17 = 17 + x \)[/tex]

Similarly, we switch the order of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and 17.

Final Answer

By applying the commutative property to each statement, we get:

- [tex]\( x + 8 = 8 + x \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( x + 17 = 17 + x \)[/tex]

Thus, the completed statements are:

1. [tex]\( x + 8 = 8 + x \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( x + 17 = 17 + x \)[/tex]

I hope this detailed, step-by-step explanation helps clarify how to use the commutative property to complete each statement.